Posting the sane and insane news about the law and what otherwise strikes my fancy.
The opinions and commentary made by this author is solely his own. It does not reflect the opinion of any other individual or organization including the 83rd District Attorney's Office or Pecos, Brewster, Presidio or Jeff Davis Counties.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Walk humbly

Senator; it doesn't matter if the fellow who filed the complaint may be from California, if it violates the Texas Ethics Commission rules it violates the rules.

AUSTIN — A California disabled veteran who spends six days a week sifting through campaign finance reports has filed complaints with the Texas Ethics Commission against 10 Texas legislators and 14 judges, ranging from failing to identify campaign donors to using campaign money for personal use.

One of the complaints, for example, takes aim at Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, for dipping into his massive campaign fund for $165,061 worth of Houston Astros, Texans and Rockets games.

The dean of the Texas Senate claims the expense necessary for “constituent entertainment.”

“Does every voter get a free ticket to the ballgame?” wondered Dave Palmer, who filed the complaint. “It's a wonder that the Astros don't ask him to call balls and strikes.”

Palmer filed ethics complaints against 10 legislators and 15 judges after reviewing campaign finance reports. The complaints range from misusing campaign funds for personal use, such as paying for gifts and tickets to sporting events, to failing to name a donor's employer or occupation as required by law.

He said he wants to be seen supporting Houston's pro teams and routinely has opportunities to attend the games as guests of others. So he often gives some of his season-ticket games away to Houston firefighters and police officers or other supporters who otherwise might not get a chance to attend, he said. “It's been a win-win.”

“It's a total nonissue by some character out in California, so I don't care what he thinks,” Whitmire said Monday, when the commission received Palmer's complaints.